Mazda 2006 MazdaSpeed6 Owner's Manual page 148

Mazdaspeed6_8U01-EA-05H_Edition1 Page148
Thursday, July 7 2005 1:2 PM
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could lead
to loss of vehicle control and an
accident. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
CAUTION
Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
l
except when shifting gears. Also,
don't use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
Make sure the vehicle comes to a
l
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is still
moving may damage the transaxle.
NOTE
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back
into neutral, release the clutch pedal,
and try again.
5-10
Form No.8U01-EA-05H
Black plate (148,1)
qRecommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 30 km/h (19 mph)
2 to 3 47 km/h (29 mph)
3 to 4 59 km/h (37 mph)
4 to 5 68 km/h (42 mph)
5 to 6 90 km/h (50 mph)
For cruising
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 18 km/h (11 mph)
2 to 3 40 km/h (25 mph)
3 to 4 51 km/h (32 mph)
4 to 5 64 km/h (40 mph)
5 to 6 78 km/h (49 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
reduces the chance of stalling and gives
better acceleration when you need more
speed.
On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.